Staying Safe During Your Summer Vacation

This coming weekend is the unofficial start of the summer travel season. 

This year we have fewer pandemic restrictions than last year, but there are steps we should still consider to keep ourselves healthy so we can enjoy our break. 

1. Stay up to date with your vaccinations: If you are 50 years of age or older, or if you are immunocompromised, get a second booster. 
2. Consider wearing a mask when in a public place, especially indoors: Masks reduce the spread of respiratory viruses, even the common cold. 
3. Wash your hands, especially before eating: This is particularly helpful to reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses that cause gastrointestinal illness.
4. If you do test positive for Covid-19: Contact your primary health care provider. You may be a candidate for the oral medication, Paxlovid, to further reduce your chance of serious illness.

Again, the science shows that the most protection against COVID comes from being fully vaccinated before you embark on your vacation. So, as we are heading to see family, to the beaches or to the pool, please get vaccinated or boosted, mask up indoors, stay well and enjoy your summer trips! 

Let us Honor Our Heroes 

So, while many of us are heading out to have fun, let’s not forget that this weekend we also commemorate Memorial Day — the day we remember those who have sacrificed their lives to keep us free.

GBMC HealthCare is fortunate to have many veterans in all three of our worksystems. Let’s use this holiday as an opportunity to thank them for their service. 

Our Thoughts Are With Uvalde

Earlier this week, we were all struck by the horrific school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. 21 people, including 19 children, were taken by a gunman. This comes on the heels of 14 men and women killed in a shooting at a grocery store in Buffalo, NY. Unfortunately, acts of violence are all too common in the United States. We grieve for the families and loved ones impacted by senseless violence. As we navigate these emotionally challenging times, I want to remind our GBMC HealthCare system employees about their access to Carebridge, which offers resources for support, guidance and counseling if you are struggling to process this event and others like it. Information on accessing Carebridge is available on the Infoweb.

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